NSW Child Sex Offender Counsellors Accreditation Scheme

The Office of the Children's Guardian administers a scheme to help you find an accredited counsellor to work with people who sexually offend against children. Information is also provided for qualified people who wish to apply for accreditation under the scheme.

Who benefits from the scheme?

Children and young people - the counsellors in the scheme have the best interests of children and young people at heart.

Courts - the courts know the counsellor is a recognised expert in the field.

Clients - clients work with counsellors who have specialist skills and experience.

Counsellors - counsellors are formally recognised for working in this highly specialised field.

Howthe scheme works

The NSW Child Sex Offender Counsellors Accreditation Scheme promotes the wellbeing of children and young people by establishing a public register of counsellors with the necessary knowledge and skill to work with people who sexually offend against children.

Minimumstandards

Accredited professionals are required to:

be currently working in a professional counselling capacity

be qualified as a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or other relevant professional

uphold the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ANZATSA) Code of Conduct and Ethics

be of good character

have a minimum level of education in specific areas relating to counselling child sex offenders, and

have a minimum level of professional experience, training and supervision.